They are wasting no time.
On Tuesday, Donald Trump and his supporters swiftly aimed to frame Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as a representative of the far left, following his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate. The Trump campaign has characterized Walz as part of a “team of radicals,” with Dave McCormick, a Trump-backed Senate candidate, labeling the Harris-Walz pairing as “the most liberal presidential ticket in history.” This strategy contrasts with how the campaign might have approached Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, whom many Republicans anticipated Harris would choose.
Trump’s team has criticized Harris for choosing Walz over Shapiro, whom they believed would have been a more moderate pick. A Trump campaign source described Walz as lacking charisma and having a history of supporting extreme liberal policies. They also suggested that Harris’s choice was influenced by left-wing scrutiny over Shapiro’s stance on Israel and pro-Palestinian protests.
The Trump campaign’s response has included a mix of statements and visuals branding the Harris-Walz ticket as extremely liberal. Trump himself expressed apparent satisfaction with a brief, enthusiastic post on Truth Social. Critics from the GOP have argued that Harris missed an opportunity to pick a more appealing candidate like Shapiro, who would have been seen as a moderate and popular figure in a crucial swing state.
Despite these criticisms, Walz’s selection has been praised by figures across the political spectrum. While the Trump campaign plans to attack Walz on issues like immigration, crime, and his handling of the George Floyd protests, Walz’s supporters highlight his experience and moderate positions. The debate over Walz’s selection reflects ongoing tensions in the presidential race, which has recently seen significant developments including high-profile political events and shifting dynamics.
